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Writer's pictureRain Green

Restless legs syndrome: Causes, Treatments, and Home Remedy

Updated: Jul 16

Symptoms

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that affects up to 10% of the adult population. It can cause an irresistible urge to move the legs due to discomfort or a crawling sensation. This typically occurs at night and can interfere with sleep, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Other symptoms may include tingling or burning sensations in the legs, leg cramps, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. For those who experience RLS symptoms at night, it can be especially disruptive to their sleep quality. This can have a negative impact on overall quality of life, leading to anxiety and depression.


RLS can be more common in women than men and typically affects adults, although it can occur at any age. The prevalence of RLS increases with age and can be associated with certain medical conditions such as kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, and Parkinson's disease. It can also be associated with pregnancy and may improve after delivery.


Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours and are often most severe at night when older adults are resting or lying in bed. Unfortunately, sleep quality is usually worse at night in older adults with RLS.


Causes

Your first step in addressing RLS should be to figure out if something is causing it. While RLS can be related to things that are largely out of your control, such as genetics or pregnancy, other possible factors can be addressed. These factors could be daily habits, medications you’re taking, health conditions you have, or other triggers habits. The use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can aggravate RLs symptoms.


it's possible for certain medications to cause or worsen restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms. Some examples of medications that may contribute to RLS symptoms include: Antidepressants, Anti-nausea medications., Cold and allergy medications, Antipsychotics.

Certain health conditions have been found to be related to RLS. End-stage renal (kidney) disease, or ESRD, and nerve damage from diabetes have been linked with RLS. Iron deficiency anemia also has a strong connection with RLS.


Treatments

While there is no known cure for RLS, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and practicing relaxation techniques can be effective for some individuals. Additionally, medications may be recommended, including dopaminergic medications, benzodiazepines, opioids, and anticonvulsants.


Home Remedies

In addition to lifestyle changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of RLS, there are natural remedies that can help alleviate its symptoms.


  • Magnesium Glycinate Supplements


Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in muscle function, including the regulation of muscle contractions. It is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to muscle cramps, twitches, and spasms, all of which are common symptoms of RLS.


Magnesium glycinate is a form of magnesium that is easily absorbed by the body, making it an ideal supplement for those with RLS. It has been shown to be effective in reducing muscle cramps and improving sleep quality.


SaltWrap Mag R&R - Nighttime Muscle Cramps Support is a natural sleep aid that combines magnesium glycinate with other ingredients to promote restful sleep and relieve muscle cramps.


SaltWrap Mag R&R - Nighttime Muscle Cramps Support contains 300mg of magnesium glycinate per serving, as well as other natural ingredients that promote restful sleep and relieve muscle cramps. These ingredients include:


  1. L-Theanine: An amino acid that promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety.

  2. Melatonin: A hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and promotes restful sleep.

  3. Passionflower: A natural sedative that promotes relaxation and helps relieve muscle tension.


By combining these natural ingredients with magnesium glycinate, SaltWrap Mag R&R - Nighttime Muscle Cramps Support provides a comprehensive solution for those suffering from RLS. It helps reduce muscle cramps and spasms, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress, and helps improve the quality of sleep.


One of the benefits of using a natural supplement like SaltWrap Mag R&R is that it is non-habit forming and does not have the same side effects as prescription medications. It is also safe to use daily, making it a convenient and effective solution for managing RLS symptoms.


  • Foot Reflexology Massage


Some studies have suggested that foot massage may be beneficial for reducing RLS symptoms, particularly when combined with other therapies.


Foot Reflexology Massage is a non-invasive and generally safe therapy, and it may be worth considering as a complementary therapy alongside other conventional treatments for RLS.


Reflexology is believed to work by stimulating specific points on the feet that correspond to different parts of the body, including the legs and nervous system. This stimulation is thought to improve blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation, which may help to relieve RLS symptoms.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing found that foot massage, along with exercise and hot baths, was effective in reducing RLS symptoms in elderly women. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that foot massage was effective in reducing the severity of RLS symptoms in patients undergoing haemodialysis.


The LittleMum T-bar massager is an excellent choice for foot and leg massages to relieve RLS. This handheld massager allows you to apply the ideal amount of pressure effortlessly, unlocking and releasing muscle tension while enhancing blood flow in your foot and calf. Designed to keep your thumb and wrist in a neutral position, it reduces strain on your thumb and increases massage intensity, protecting your joints from wear and tear.

Made from solid medical-grade stainless steel and forged as a single piece, the Deep Trigger Point Massager has the perfect weight for deep tissue massage. With a 15-year warranty and a US patent design, you can rely on its durability and effectiveness for all your massage needs.


  • Pneumatic Leg Compression


Leg compression massage, also known as pneumatic compression therapy, has been shown to be helpful in managing symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS) in some studies.


Pneumatic compression is a type of therapy that involves the use of air-filled compression sleeves or boots to stimulate blood flow in the legs. This therapy is often used to treat conditions that can cause leg swelling or poor circulation, such as varicose veins, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis.


There is some research to suggest that pneumatic compression may be effective in relieving symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). A small study published in 2014 found that pneumatic compression was associated with significant improvements in RLS symptoms, including the frequency and severity of leg movements and discomfort. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of pneumatic compression for RLS, and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.


One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that a combination of leg compression massage and manual lymphatic drainage was effective in reducing RLS symptoms in patients with primary RLS. The study suggested that the massage and compression may help to improve blood and lymphatic circulation in the legs, which can alleviate RLS symptoms.


Another study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that the use of pneumatic compression devices for the legs was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing RLS symptoms in patients with RLS.

The FIT KING Leg Air Massager is a great product for people who suffer from restless legs. This leg compression device uses air pressure to provide a soothing massage to the feet, ankles, and calves. With its handheld controller, you can easily adjust the intensity and mode of the massage to suit your needs.


The FIT KING Leg Air Massager is designed to promote circulation and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for people who suffer from restless legs. It can help to alleviate discomfort and promote overall leg health. Additionally, it's easy to clean and store, making it a convenient tool to use at home or on the go.


  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage


Restless legs can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor circulation and lymphatic congestion. Lymphatic drainage massage can help to alleviate symptoms by promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid and reducing inflammation in the affected area.

The LittleMum stainless steel curved massager is a great tool for lymphatic drainage massage, as its curved design allows you to target specific areas of the leg and apply gentle pressure to encourage lymphatic flow. Using the LittleMum stainless steel curved massager for lymphatic drainage massage can be a helpful tool in alleviating restless leg symptoms.


To use the massager for lymphatic drainage, start at the ankle and use the curved end of the massager to apply gentle pressure along the inner and outer sides of the calf, moving upwards towards the knee. Continue to apply pressure in this manner, working your way up the leg, until you reach the top of the thigh. Then, reverse the direction and work your way back down to the ankle.


It's important to use gentle pressure when performing lymphatic drainage massage, as the lymphatic system is very delicate. Avoid applying too much pressure or using a heavy hand, as this can cause discomfort and potentially damage the lymphatic vessels.


  • Hot Foot Bath


There is some research to suggest that a hot foot bath may be beneficial for relieving restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms.


A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that a 30-minute hot foot bath before bedtime for 10 consecutive nights significantly reduced the severity of RLS symptoms, as well as improved sleep quality in patients with RLS. The study suggested that the hot water may help to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles in the legs, which can in turn alleviate RLS symptoms.


Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that a hot foot bath combined with acupressure was effective in reducing RLS symptoms and improving sleep quality in patients with RLS.

Niksa multi-functional foot spa bath integrates heating, massage, oxygen bubbles, vibration and red light functions to relax your feet by gently massaging and soothing your tired, overworked feet.


While these studies suggest that home therapies may be beneficial for relieving RLS symptoms, it is important to note that not all individuals with RLS may find these therapies effective, and that it should not be used as a replacement for conventional treatments for RLS.


If you are experiencing RLS symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for your individual needs.





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